Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will roll out starkly contrasting celebrity back-ups this weekend in Pennsylvania and Michigan -among the most prized battleground states set to decide the tightest of US presidential races. In a campaign season dominated by high stakes and polarized voters, the two candidates have turned to some of the world’s most influential figures to sway undecided voters.
Pop sensation Lizzo is scheduled to bring her multi-Grammy award-winning influence to Harris’s campaign in Detroit, while business magnate Elon Musk will rally for Trump in Pennsylvania. The use of celebrity endorsements has become a powerful tool in shaping voter perception, and both campaigns are betting on these high-profile supporters to help tilt key states in their favor.
The Power of Celebrity in U.S. Politics
Celebrity endorsements have long played a role in American political campaigns, offering candidates the ability to connect with voters through widely recognized and influential figures. For many voters, celebrities serve as cultural icons, representing values, aspirations, and ideas that resonate on a personal level. By aligning themselves with prominent figures like Lizzo and Elon Musk, Harris and Trump aim to humanize their campaigns and inject excitement into key battleground states.
Lizzo, known for her outspoken advocacy on issues such as racial justice and women’s rights, brings a progressive message that aligns with the Democratic platform. Her participation in Harris’s campaign rally in Detroit is expected to energize young voters and communities of color, who are crucial for the Democratic vote in Michigan. On the other hand, Elon Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur with a massive following, embodies the values of innovation and economic growth that appeal to Trump’s base. His endorsement could sway voters in Pennsylvania, a state critical to Trump’s reelection chances, by emphasizing economic policy and technological advancement. The deployment of these figures highlights the importance of celebrity influence in shaping public opinion during high-stakes elections.
Lizzo’s Impact on Harris’s Campaign
Detroit, Michigan, is a key focus for the Harris campaign, as the state holds 15 electoral votes and was crucial to Joe Biden’s victory in 2020. By bringing Lizzo into the fold, the campaign aims to tap into the pop star’s massive fanbase, particularly younger voters and the Black community, both of whom are essential for Harris’s chances in the state. Michigan has a long history of fluctuating political leanings, with Trump securing a narrow victory there in 2016 before Biden reclaimed the state in 2020.
Lizzo’s involvement is not just a musical performance—it is a cultural statement that reflects the Democratic Party’s focus on diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Her influence is particularly strong among Gen Z and millennial voters, who could be key in determining the outcome in Michigan. With voter turnout expected to be a decisive factor, Harris’s campaign is banking on Lizzo’s appeal to energize a base that has shown growing enthusiasm for progressive causes. Lizzo’s advocacy for issues such as body positivity, mental health awareness, and gender equality aligns well with Harris’s policy positions, making her a natural ally for the vice president’s campaign.
Musk’s Message for Trump’s Base
In contrast, Trump’s campaign is focusing heavily on Pennsylvania, a battleground state that could determine the election outcome. With its 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania was a critical part of Trump’s victory in 2016, but it flipped to Biden in 2020. By enlisting Elon Musk, one of the world’s richest and most influential men, Trump is hoping to recapture the state’s more moderate and conservative voters, especially those concerned with economic policy and innovation. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has positioned himself as a champion of free speech and technological advancement, issues that resonate strongly with Trump’s base.
Musk’s presence at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania sends a clear message: the Republican Party is focused on the future of American industry, economic growth, and technological leadership. Musk’s endorsement carries weight not only because of his financial success but also due to his controversial political positions, which have garnered him a loyal following among libertarian-leaning and right-leaning voters. Trump’s campaign is likely hoping that Musk’s backing will appeal to voters who are disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s handling of the economy, as well as those who feel that technological innovation should be a top priority in the country’s policy agenda. With Musk’s support, Trump is betting on a narrative that promotes economic resilience and innovation as key factors in his potential reelection.
Can Celebrity Endorsements Make the Difference?
The use of celebrities in political campaigns is not a new tactic, but its effectiveness can be difficult to gauge. Historically, celebrity endorsements have been a double-edged sword—while they can attract media attention and rally support among specific demographic groups, they also risk alienating certain voters who view such endorsements as superficial or out of touch. In the case of Harris and Trump, both campaigns are carefully selecting figures who align with their core messages and can energize their base without overshadowing the political issues at stake.
For Harris, Lizzo’s endorsement is expected to boost turnout among younger voters, especially those who may be disillusioned with the political process or feel disconnected from the mainstream Democratic platform. Harris’s team is betting that Lizzo’s influence can galvanize enthusiasm, particularly in Detroit, a city that has been a Democratic stronghold but where voter turnout has fluctuated in recent elections. In contrast, Trump’s reliance on Musk reflects a broader strategy of appealing to voters who prioritize economic issues and technological innovation. By associating his campaign with one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, Trump hopes to cast himself as the candidate of economic recovery and innovation.
The Celebrity Factor in 2024
The influence of celebrities like Lizzo and Elon Musk could play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and turnout in key battleground states. Both Harris and Trump are using these endorsements to highlight their respective platforms and appeal to critical demographics that could sway the election. For Harris, Lizzo’s presence in Detroit underscores the importance of energizing younger voters and communities of color, while for Trump, Musk’s endorsement in Pennsylvania emphasizes economic growth and innovation.
The effectiveness of these endorsements will ultimately be determined by how voters respond in the final stretch of the campaign, but it is clear that both candidates view celebrity power as a vital asset in their quest to win must-win states. As political campaigns continue to evolve, the role of celebrities in shaping voter opinion remains a key factor in the race for the White House.
